The researchers tried to find a series of chemical reactions that could turn CO2 into a useful fuel, when they realized the first step, their process was successful. The reaction converts CO2 into ethanol, which could in turn be used for electric generators and vehicles.

The technology involves a new combination of copper and carbon arranged in nanospikes on a silicon surface. Nanotechnology allows reactions to be very precise, with very few contaminants.

“By using common materials, but with nanotechnology, we understood how to limit side reactions and have the desired result,” said Adam Rondinone.

This process has several advantages over other methods of converting CO2 into fuel. The reaction uses common materials like copper and carbon, and it converts CO2 into ethanol, which is already widely used as fuel.

Perhaps more importantly, it works at room temperature, which means it can be started and stopped easily and inexpensively. This means that this conversion process can be used as a temporary energy storage during a lull in renewable energy production, and reduce fluctuations in the renewable energy grid.